Jack Reilly (footballer)

John Reilly (born 27 August 1943) is a former soccer player who played as a goalkeeper. Born in Scotland, he was a member of the Australia national team, representing the nation 35 times during the 1970s; he was in the 1974 FIFA World Cup squad.[2] and also represented Victoria.

Jack Reilly
Personal information
Full name John William Beattie Reilly
Date of birth (1943-08-27) 27 August 1943 (age 81)
Place of birth Stonehaven, Scotland
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
Parkvale
Inverurie Loco Works[1]
1963–1967 Hibernian 2 (0)
1968 Washington Whips 17 (0)
1971 Melbourne Juventus
1972 St George Saints
1972–1974 Melbourne Hakoah
1975–1976 Fitzroy Alexander 52
1977–1980 South Melbourne Hellas 41 (0)
International career
1970–1977 Australia 35 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Career

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Reilly learnt his goalkeeping skills while playing with local Aberdeenshire Junior sides Parkvale, in his hometown of Stonehaven, and Inverurie Loco Works, prior to moving to the reserve team of Hibernian. He made only two first appearances in the Scottish Football League[1] before moving to American club Washington Whips in 1968. Reilly moved to Australia in 1970, signing with Melbourne Juventus. After showing immense talent during his debut season he was drafted into the Australia squad for a world tour.[1] His transfer from St George Saints to Melbourne Hakoah in early 1972 was a then record fee for a goalkeeper of $6,000.

Reilly continued to represent Australia and was selected for their 1974 FIFA World Cup squad. He played in all of their three matches at the tournament, against West Germany, East Germany and Chile.[1] Reilly transferred to Fitzroy United Heidelberg United in 1975. He spent two season at Fitzroy before transferring to South Melbourne. Reilly retired from playing in 1980.

After ending his playing career, Reilly became a horse breeder.[1] He has also served on the committees of FFA and FIFA.[1]

Honours

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Fitzroy United

Individual

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Interview: Jack Reilly, former Hibs goalie, on the state of Scottish football". sport.scotsman.com. Johnston Press. 11 August 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  2. ^ "West Germany - Australia". www.planetworldcup.com. Jan Alsos. 2010. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  3. ^ "1975 Victorian State League Results". Oz Football. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  4. ^ "FFA celebrates 50 years of FIFA membership by naming its 'Teams of the Decade'". Fox Sports Australia. 17 December 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2014.